Earlier this week (June 8), Lorde finally announced her much-anticipated follow-up to 2017’s Melodrama, sharing artwork for her forthcoming third studio album, Solar Power. Now, we’ve received our first taste of what to expect, in the form of the record’s title track.
“Solar Power” arrives alongside summery visuals that see Lorde enjoying a beach day with some serious Midsommar vibes, co-directed by the musician and “Royals” filmmaker Joel Kefali.
Phoebe Bridgers and Clairo also lend a hand, singing backup vocals on the track, which is produced by previous collaborator Jack Antonoff (who also plays the drums and guitar). Lorde previously commented on hitting the studio with Antonoff in a newsletter to fans, writing: “The work is so fucking good, my friend. I am truly jazzed for you to hear it.”
The full release date for Solar Power is yet to be revealed, though Lorde has promised that it’s coming this year, and recently shared a cryptic hint with fans, saying that they can “look to the natural calendar for clues”. Incidentally, the “Solar Power” release was timed to coincide with the ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse.
“I want this album to be your summer companion,” she adds, “the one you pump on the drive to the beach. The one that lingers on your skin like a tan as the months get cooler again.”
Revisit the memes sparked by Lorde’s internet-breaking album announcement here, and watch the video for “Solar Power” below.